VICTORY FOR CAMPAIGN TO KEEP CALMAC PUBLIC

This ferry service is one that is vital for Island communities and is often described as a “life-line service” for Scottish communities. This decision has been well received across Scotland and RISE believe it to be an important victory in the fight for public transport to be in public hands. This moment is one where the people have won against private companies.

The campaign to keep Calmac public has been inspiring. Not least symbolised by the iconic protests at the STUC conference in Dundee. The RMT Union led campaign has been endorsed and supported by the Left across Scotland. This cross party support greatly benefited the Keep Calmac Public campaign and is an example of what solidarity and unity can achieve in Scottish politics. RISE applauds the brave work carried out by the RMT Union and are proud to have been able to give our support to their campaign.

RISE has worked closely with the RMT Union in the past and will continue to do so in the future to build good relations with our trade unions in our fight against the privatisation of public services and in support of workers’ rights.

We believe that public services should remain in public hands and not be sold to the highest bidder. This is important to protect jobs, keep prices low and deliver an invaluable service to our communities. We hope that this decision shall set precedent in years to come in relation to the Scottish Government’s public service policy.

We shall continue our fight against privatisation and companies who profiteer from public services.